How to Live a French Lifestyle Anywhere You Live
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- čas přidán 4. 10. 2021
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Thank you so much for watching my video! I post a new video on slow living, simple living and noticing the simple joys every week but if you're curious to see more of my content, check out my blog! As a writer, I have a full archive of posts written from the past 5 years on the Simple Joys blog about how to find more joy in your life as well as slow and simple living, presence, and life in France. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did me making it! Have a magical day, lovely soul! ☀️
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It took me more than fifteen years to get to Europe-saving money, plan my training so that I could find work, etc. and, the yearning of wanting to live a European life led me to do lots of these things. It improved the quality of my life but it never made me think that I could remain in the USA. After many years of dreaming and working toward my dream, I came to Italy for real. I originally wanted to go to Paris but there were lots of reasons why Italy was a better choice for me and so, here I am . It is a wonderful life...nationalised health care, slow living and slow food, no car, surrounded by beauty, bicycle riding, sitting in cafes in pretty clothes, all of it...It is a joyful life...a simpler life, a sweeter life. Thank you for your shares.
Congratulations on achieving your dream.
It is my dream as well to relocate from the US to Europe.
I am tired of the stressful way of life here. I long for what is spoken off in this video and others like it.
Please , If you dont mind , what training did you pursue or do you recommend that will enable a person to work legally there?
Are there any helpful guides or resources that you could recommend to help a person do as you have done ?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Thank you.
Very inspiring. And I am grateful to live in Canada. I can do the things I want the way I want. And you made me realize why I feel that I am different than others 😂. Except walking, its a bit challenging here its a big country I have to drive most of the time.
Sounds very nice ❤
Very nice feelings.if you become muslim
1 walk more
2 live simply
3 seasoning cooking
4 selfcare selflove to make yourself feel beautiful
5 prioritize meal time
6 wear nice clothes
5
I stayed in France for 3 months and I loved how the French would buy a little bit of groceries for that day. Everything fresh. In America , we feel the need to buy a bunch (Costco) and let it sit in the freezer for weeks and weeks. I felt so much healthier living in Europe . Lol
and in Spain, or Italy, or Scotland. Sometimes you can buy a bunch, but it's pretty strange to do that to buy fruits or vegetables. Usually, you buy what you need for what you are going to cook.
Perhaps because in the US many of us are the descendants of settlers who had to stock up on staples or to always be prepared in order to survive?
@@pammienakhThat era that was at least 200 years ago
@@sampuatisamuel9785 not for everyone. There are still many places that are isolated from supplies.
Not only the french do this! It’s quite normalized all over europe 😅
I’m now living a slower life after becoming ill from stress and I’ve never been happier, I love your videos so much they are so inspiring 😊 thank you so much x
If only Americans didn't look down upon dressing to feel better or taking a whole hour (or more) for a meal, al fresco, or not. Listening to music, sitting quietly.... are all lessons we can benefit from NOW en Amerique! Thank you for expressing the small tips so beautifully.
Chère Helena, you are so young, yet so wise and so inspiring! I am a 55-year old French woman who has lived in a big American city for 34 years and I can so relate to your vision of life on both sides. I am also a high school teacher (I teach French!) and every year as Graduation approaches, I make a point to talk to my students about the important things in life: relationships with loved ones and the community they live in, protecting the environment, enjoying the little pleasures, slowing down, respect & self care, gratitude for our first world comfort and privileges . Too many of them see their future as going to College to get a job that makes MONEY. So this year, I will show them one of your videos which echoes my words of wisdom. Several of them already know you as "the slow living lady" LOL. Keep on posting! YOU are making a difference in the world :))))
^ I am this lovely lady's daughter and can attest to the fact that you ARE making a difference in this world! I am currently completing my education degree with a grueling internship, and you + reading have been my simple joys at the end of the day.. Continue ce que tu fais, et merci Helena!
Wow!! Reading this brought the biggest smile to my face 🥰Thank you for sharing your joy and generous heart with me, Florence. It really motivates and encourages me more than you know! And thank you for teaching and speaking on such important, valueable topics. The influence that teachers have on their students is so profound. I remember several of my teachers in high school that inspired and influenced me to be who I am today and also helped me learn to appreciate things that really matter 💕 You make such an impact! It's such a treasure to connect with you here 🤗 I'm sending you such a warm hug and lots of love! ❤
Great idea! You must be a great teacher!
You could very well describing the lifestyle here in Italy. Cool.
Ah that's wonderful to hear! I've only traveled through Italy as a tourist, so that's a joy to hear that the daily lifestyle is similar! 🥰
" La Dolce Vita".
I was thinking the same! Ciao cugino!
Scuza cugina!
Do you know Helena, I do most of these things and I love the way I live. With the slower pace, you end up with more energy and you are enjoying every minute of your day instead of stressing yourself out. And making the effort to look nice, can make the world of difference to how you feel and how you value yourself. Love your videos! 🦔🌳🌸🌼🏞 x 😊
When I was teaching, I would spend most summers in Europe. When I would return, the contrast in lifestyle would hit me like a ton of bricks. Valet parking, tight schedules, fast food, no one making time for each other. Now that I am retired from teaching, it has been my dream to split my time between Southern California and Italy or France! I always considered myself a European at heart. I love the farmers market, walking everywhere as opposed to driving, dressing up, healthy eating and culture! Thank you for your lovely display of a better quality of life!
When we slow down we can focus on the core essence of what makes us happy. Well said!
French philosophy and lifestyle on the Big Island of Hawaii… coming here to help care for the mother-in-law, the heart came, too! Go figure, the French and the Hawaiians have soooo much in common. Life is an honor to share in love, dignity and respect… for self and our human family.💙✨
As an American guy who loved his two trips to France, I appreciate your ideas and will try to incorporate them into my life. Slowing down and enjoying my meals, and walking more.... all things that I need to add into my life.. Thanks!!
After working a high-stress (but rewarding) job for several years that took me overseas for about 3 months each year, I felt ready to slow down and enjoy a life of greater connection to my community and new family. I live in a medium-size city in the midwestern US, and have basically been living the "French" lifestyle for about 8 years now. I love being able to enjoy the change of seasons, being home with family every night, and being able to take leisurely meals (especially lunches). I have a low-stress (and low-paying but adequate) job now, which has allowed me to focus more on the things you mention in the video. Less adventure in my life, but also less materialism and more time to myself. Having had the previous, higher-stress lifestyle has made me able to appreciate all the more the things I have (and don't have) now. Enjoyed the video- bravo!
Hi! I lived in France for a year teaching Spanish at Rennes 2 University. It was almost 10 years ago. I felt that the quality of life there was just... better. I knew it was about the little things. The Saturday marché, the walking everywhere, the slow pace, the feeling safe to walk during the night, the going to work on my bike, the apéro, the cafés en terrase, the associations (and their free trial periods during la rentrée), the importance that people put on leisure and moving, the afternoons at the park just talking and having lunch... and even how pedestrians have priority over cars (this may seem obvious, but I am from Puerto Rico and this is not the case here). And then the big things like vacation time and healthcare. The values.
But at the time it was hard for me to articulate what felt so good about life in Rennes and in France in general. I am not saying life was perfect. My work as a teacher was a little stressful and there were language barriers, etc. But I think the good stuff far outweighed the bad.
Now I understand a lot more about French culture. I've read books that have confirmed my gut feeling (and then there's your channel, which I love). That there's a certain je ne sais quo to the French culture that somehow can make life more enjoyable.
I had to come back home. I missed my people and I also wanted to finish my degree. But I have always felt the desire to go back to that life. (I get very emotional and nostalgic around this desire.) I've decided to stay in my home country, but I am now finding ways to incorporate more of the French lifestyle into my life. How? I am working on simplifying my life. Appreciating Beauty and aesthetics. Finding ways to move more from place to place and not just seeing movement as a "workout" or as something you do at the gym. Finding ways to move that are fun and pleasurable. Enjoying the little and big pleasures.
What I am still working on. Food! I love so much the relationship that the French have with food. It's sooo different that my culture's (and the American culture's) relationship with food! I know I have a lot to work in that domain. Also, the clothes. OMG, how do French women do it. Still a work in progress for me, but your take on it was really insightful.
So... thanks for your videos. (And for the beauty of your photography!)
Coucou, je suis française et j'ai beaucoup aimé ta vidéo ! J'ai du mal à comprendre pourquoi on "fascine" par notre mode de vie ... Mais cette vidéo ma permis de nous voir d'un autre oeil haha
Merci 💖
We traveled to Southern Spain and Portugal for a month each. We grabbed provisions almost daily at night after a day of sightseeing. If we were taken to see a town, we’d shop at local market, bakery, or outdoor market. We have never eaten so well buying small quantities often, no stock piling and nothing wasted. We still try not to cram the fridge. Food tastes better freshly cooked in smaller quantities. Thankfully our grocery stores are within one mile radius from where we live.
I’ve learned from your videos to slow down and take day by day.. I have realized how fast past life can drag you down sometimes and you have to say no sometimes - i🙃
😍Ahhhh this brought such a big smile to my face!! Thank you Sarah for sharing your beautiful light with me. ☀️It's been such a joy to share what I've been learning with you here on YT
Talk about synchronicity...I am wearing a outfit today that reminds me of something a French Woman would wear. I started thinking about France and the way that they live. Arrive at work and while looking for French Music playlists, your video appears! Thank you for providing these tips that anyone can incorporate into their lives. I shall do so in my quest for Simple Joys! I appreciate you and what you share!
this makes me so happy to read 🥰🥰
Great reminders! I do a lot of this since I have some French heritage in my family on both sides. My small condo apt has many French touches in my kitchen and living room and since I was a fashion artist in NYC many moons ago ( retired ) and a floral designer I know the importance of being surrounded by art and flowers even if it's just by your own hand. Cat lover here as well, love your collar of your top you're wearing! Unfortunately, here in America we have a "eat and run" attitude when it comes to eating, we don't take the time to savor the food or the atmosphere enough! We would all benefit by slowing down and taking the time to appreciate the simpler things in life and as we all know, "less is more"! Merci for another wonderful video that brings back my fun, sweet time in Paris and France! "I left my heart in Paris", many moons ago~
Retiring gave me a slower life - finally. I love it. I do many of the things you suggest.
This is not only a French lifestyle, the Italians are the Teachers in slow living!
La Bella Vita!
Looking forward to retirement too!
Fantastic! I am adopting many of these ways of living in my life.
yay! how wonderful! 🤗
I enjoyed this video, thank you for taking the time to make it. Slowing down is a great challenge for me. But when I challange myself to stop, pause, even just to move slower I never have regrets.
Iv'e found that if you don't slow down, you can miss the best things in life. So yes, slow down, and enjoy the little thing you can miss rushing through life.
I loved your message! It actually brought tears to my eyes because: (1) I lived that way in San Francisco from 1982-1990 ❤️ and had to move to a suburb in Florida 😢 and left that lifestyle behind. (2) You reminded me to be true to myself and the tears are mourning my self neglect. (3) The tears are also ones of joy; giving myself the permission to celebrate the rest of my life every day without remorse and regrets from leaving my ❤️ in San Francisco. TYSVM 💕xoxo 🤗
Just to be able to enjoy life is a gift. This morning dressing for work, I put on my favorite denim top with black leggings. I chose a pearl necklace and earrings to adorn myself. ☺️ A fresh spritz of my “Happy” perfume and I’m off to teach my 2nd and 3rd graders. Have a magical day, lovely lady.❤️😘
ahhh this is so lovely!! Tracey what a joy to read this, gave me such a smile! EnJOY! 🥰
SIMPLICITY IS GREAT ... The Art Of Doing Nothing Is Charming & The Beliefs Are Intelligent ... Thank You Helena ... I Am In A ' FRENCH STATE OF MIND ' ☺ Share the Same Beliefs 😊
I love to hear about French culture as my great grandmother was from Paris - thank you for this video x
That cat blouse! Who designed it? This video hit the refresh button for me. Thank you!
This is sooooo "charmant" - I love it! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic! One of my favorite topics - truly! I love the French way of life.
You are such a JOY! Thank you for brightening the lives of so many folks during this ongoing pandemic!
Merci pour cette vidéo et j'adhère à ce que vous dites à 100%. Ralentir le rythme et profiter de chaque moment dans la simplicité.
Hello Helena, don't mind my husbands pic to the left; I'm a 65 yr old gal who loves all things French and I have enjoyed for yrs adopting many of your suggestions into my daily routine, especially wearing make-up (for me) putting on jewelry and visiting a cafe as often as possible! So exciting to see a younger generation appreciating a quality of life that does not rely on impersonal technology. I just subscribed to your channel and I look forward to the lovely journey we're all on here together! Bless all your endeavors!
Aw I’m so happy to connect with you!! 🥰💕 I hope you’re having a beautiful day!
Aw I’m so happy to connect with you!! 🥰💕 I hope you’re having a beautiful day!
Great video! Taking some notes on these simple suggestions. As an American it’s always how fast can we react? Instead, slow down, set boundaries, and practice self love and care.
I absolutely love learning about different cultures so I really enjoyed this one and try to implement some of these into my own life. ✨
Simplicity and appreciation ... lovely 😊
Universal health care, slow pace, good quality food, enjoying a beer or wine at a terrace...sounds like you are describing Spain my dear
I have never lived in Spain, so I have no idea! I write about where I live. But cool!
I stumbled on your channel today randomly (or not so randomly) and am so pleased and blessed to discover you. I binge watched five of your most recent vlogs and felt absolutely charmed, infused with thoughtful reflections about my own life and infinitely calmed by your slow low voice, beautiful photography and joie de vivre. I'll be watching all the rest of your content and look forward to checking out your new more personal channel. It's lovely to see you and Alex so in love as well as being such buddies and both fully inspired by life in all of it's joys and difficulties. Thank you for sharing. xo karen
Helena, thank you... This is such a beautiful channel! How refreshing to see someone living life the way it should be... Bless you♥️
What a wonderful post! Thank you 🥰
i love living in france, so peaceful. so much of what you describe is so true xx
I was feeling a bit down and this was a breath of fresh air. Thank you.
A beautiful film! thank you! x
Thanks Helena you're always inspiring. ❤
You are inspiring me to take better care of me. Thank you so much for sharing this video. I needed this!!!!😊
Bake and cook from scratch more and just move a little slower all around. Love this video❤⚜️
Nature sustains me...every pore of my being requires this
Good part of the french mind set and culture come from the Roman Empire times. The pleasure , sacred meal time and wine are a few examples. In fact, all that you mentioned about the french in your video, it is also very common in Italy, Portugal and Spain, meaning all the ex-Roman provinces. Latins enjoy life as well... it is so short to spend it only working and accumulating money! Everything in moderation makes you happier and healthier.
re-listening to these to ground myself in a time of need rn :3
Great photography and really well realized ..... Nice job !!!
love the focus on slow living
Very different from what we had being told for years..wow thank you for sharing
wow this was so beautifully explained
I am sure you have read Jennifer Scott's series about her experience living in Paris. If not, I so recommend her books, they will be a delight to you.🌹
TQ for posting this clip ! 🌹
This implies for us to see the good in things and imply them. Not taking the bad and ruin everything
When you realized , it is time to change the mindset and actions.
Love this!!!!!
Truly enjoyed this video. Thank you.
Those radishes are my favorite kind! MMMMM! Yep, get off social media, slow down your day as much as you, wear the nice clothes, even to clean the kitty litter or take out the trash, taste your food, first with your eyes, then with your tastebuds. Enjoy, relax, breathe and repeat as often as necessary.
Wow a great introduction of France in just one video. Its helpful 😊 . Thank you
This is the most adorable cutest collar I have seen on a shirt! I love your content 💕
How wonderful this video is!!! You have shown us that there is glamour in simplicity.
My tip is to spray lavender on my bed cloths, it is so relaxing and pleasant.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOUR VIDEOS ARE FANTASTIC!!!
Merci Helena pour cette belle vidéo ❤
I love this vlogg! spot on essence of France
I love this video and what you said it is so positive and so true ! This is the way to live taking time to connect to our surroundings amd appreciate every moment. Thanks 😊 Blessings 🙏🌸🌺
You’re glowing! Nice work you did.
Thanks for the inspiration. After watching I went and put on my perfume! I love to wear it everyday. I stopped for a while thinking I’m wasting it, you reminded me to do it for me and my husband😉
aw yay!! 🤗
Loved that picture of the gentleman (your hubby?) Relaxing on a chair and petting that beautiful cat.. I truly think animals inspire us to be our best, most humane selves, no matter where we live on the planet. Loved your video!
That was a guy I met on the street! One of my favorite clips from that trip - so sweet!
I'm now addicted to your channel!! 😍 😍
One can BE living the french life even in the US of A! Some might not understand...but though toenails..... they're missing out on the "joie de vivre"!
Lovely video as always ❤️
what a beautiful video to wake up to so inspiring thankyou :)
Wow! Thank you!
Awe. What a sweet post. Thank you. Love it. You’re really lovely to listen to too.
Thank you! 💕
Happy belated birthday Ana. Your videos bring a lot to contemplate.
I love your videos. You gave a wonderful attitude to life. Thank you for your channels.
Great job💚so inspiring 💙love it💜
Wonderful Channel..so calming and informative ❤
Thanks for this 🥰😘
Thank you so much. Sending love and light your way
wow, just come to see this and totally attrative!! I lived in a china mountain place and why not adopt a slow life style like you? I will try that from today!! with blessings! and hope to see more videos from you:))
Great info and very soothing personality
Great tips, I try to do most of these things but where I live it’s really hard to walk everywhere, I wish I could though! I love the French way. Merci! ❤️
Thank you - lovely video!
Great idea. Sadly in Australia most of the small shops in the suberbs have been pushed out by the supermarkets. It’s a disgrace
Love your cat collar blouse!
Bonjour, Helena! I just discovered your channel, and I am especially trying to live slowly and intentionally. Merci fir the inspiration.
Enjoyed your video. Great ideas to incorporate in your life. Yes, more walking...enjoy your surroundings and get those steps in for your exercise. Have a beautiful afternoon! ❤🙃🙂
France is such a beautiful city 😊 and have a good culture with practical living. You explaining it just made me feel good and being there with you throughout the video. I wish I could go there one day. Unfortunately I am doing the all opposite of the French slow living 😅
Beautiful words of wisdom
I thank you for sharing! I love the kitty collar.....
Your voice is soothing!
New sub btw
Wonderful, positive video. Merci! ❤️ Suzy
Thanks!
Great video! Thank you. That shirt is awesome! I love it.
Loving all your beautiful videos 💖 gorgeous videography and inspiring content as well 🎀
I love this. It'd be really great to live slowly adapting the french way of living. Aa kuch as possible, at home we try to enjoy our food without any phones or social media to get as distracted. Great vid Helena ✨✨🎉
love this!! That's so great 🥰
You are inspiring!
I live in NYC and I agree with everything you said. Viva France!
Off to Paris (from 🇳🇴 Norway) on Friday‼️❤️Ohmyheavens… The show of Vivian Maier’s photography at the Musée du Luxembourg! The re-opening of La Samaritaine! Lovely books at Shakespeare & Co.! Art supplies at Sennelier! A walk along Canal St. Martin! A Richard and soup de l’oignon at Café de Flore… Sheeeshhh… After hearing what you had to say about not stuffing time with so much stuff, I think I can just sink my shoulders and be happy with even the simplest of experiences while in my second favorite city next to København. ❤️
Love this! I really want to visit more French cities and Corsica, too. I live in the Old Town part of our small town, and love going to the farmers market, local delicatessen stands, etc. It’s so different from the anonymity and hectic atmosphere in supermarkets etc.
Also love the part about pampering. I am trying to not reserve products or clothing for so-called special occasions that never really arise.
Lol..It's so funny that you say that Michelle. I have some little morrocan glasses for tea that I am SUPPOSEDLY saving...for what???LOL..those babies are coming out for ANY KIND of TEA ..lol..I totallly hear you!!
@@JRose-zk1ni LOL yes! I have totally been there with nice china, wine glasses etc.
LOVE this Michelle! 🤗
@@MissM025x LOL...yes , it's like what are we waiting for, the queen to come over or some monumental event?Lol..lol.:-)